Loss of an Eye

Eye Removal Surgery (Enucleation)

The removal of an eye seems to be a drastic measure to most people. However, people who require enucleation of an eye typically have suffered from a malignant tumor in or behind the eye, a blind, painful eye, and/or trauma that results in an eye that cannot be saved. These conditions can be associated with chronic pain or may be life-threatening, and enucleation can actually bring relief to patients who require it.

Today, there are very realistic-looking and comfortable orbital implants and prosthetics available. At the time of the enucleation, the surgeon will choose an orbital implant that will be surgically implanted to maintain volume in the area where the eye was removed. Then, in about six to eight weeks after an enucleation, the patient is fit with a prosthetic or artificial eye (prosthesis) by an ocularist. An ocularist is a technician specializing in making custom prosthetic eyes for each patient to achieve excellent symmetry and overall cosmetic appearance.